On 1 January 2025, Poland will assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union. This important moment, when we find ourselves in an era of unprecedented challenges, but also opportunities, gives Poland a unique platform to influence the direction of development of the European Union.
Poland held the presidency of the Council of the EU for the first time in the second half of 2011 and, together with Denmark and Cyprus, formed the so-called trio of presidencies.
The rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, a tradition deeply rooted in the history of the EU, allows each member state to lead the Council of the EU, steer the institutions' agenda and ensure the continuity of the EU's work. The upcoming Polish Presidency is an important testament to our country's ability to make a significant contribution to the European project, reflecting our long-standing commitment to the principles of cooperation and mutual respect between Member States.
The Polish Presidency comes at a critical moment when the European Union as a community faces a series of challenges that are crucial to its future, such as digital and energy transformation, socio-economic resilience and border security. Poland stands ready to lead the EU through these challenges with a clear vision and a strong sense of purpose, building on cooperation under the three-presidency system established by the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009.
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union is a six-month period during which a Member State plays a leading role as leader and coordinator, presiding over meetings at all levels of the Council and representing it internationally.
This rotational system, initiated within the framework of the European Economic Community and continued after the creation of the European Union in 1993, has evolved, especially after the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009, to have a largely ceremonial significance. Despite the establishment of a permanent President of the European Council and the strengthening of the role of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, which have reduced the direct impact of the rotating Presidency, it remains an important function ensuring continuity and coordination within the complex legislative and political processes of the EU.
This system ensures that each Member State, regardless of its size, has an equal opportunity to influence the EU agenda and priorities, reinforcing the sense of co-responsibility and mutual responsibility among all Member States.
The Member States holding the Presidency work closely together in groups of three, known as “trios”. This system was introduced by the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. The trio sets long-term objectives and prepares a common agenda setting out the themes and main issues to be addressed by the Council over the course of 18 months. On the basis of this program, each of the three countries prepares its own, more detailed six-month program. The current trio consists of the presidencies of Spain, Belgium and Hungary.
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The Presidency of the Council of the European Union is a six-month period during which a Member State plays a leading role as leader and coordinator, presiding over meetings at all levels of the Council and representing it internationally.
On 1 January 2024, Belgium takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU
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